Panel and panel mount system

ABSTRACT

A hinged panel mount and mounting system advantageously provides wind relief to panels that would otherwise provide an uplifting force that could damage or otherwise stress an underlying building or structure, wherein threshold winds (which at least overcome the weight of the panel and any friction in the hinge) cause the panel to swing in a path permitted by the hinge to reduce such uplifting forces.

BACKGROUND

Solar panels are widely used to collect and convert solar energy into electricity or heat. Generally, solar photovoltaic panels utilize the sun's energy, which excites the atoms in a silicon layer between two protector panels. Electrons from these excited atoms form an electric current.

Such panels are often mounted on buildings or other structures raised from the ground. However, because they are raised off the ground (often at an angle relative to the ground), solar arrays can act as a sail. In a stiff wind, the arrays can cause an uplifting force, which can damage the underlying building or structure.

What is needed in the art are mechanisms for reducing or eliminating damage to structures underlying panels or arrays.

SUMMARY

The above-described and other problems and disadvantages of the prior art are overcome and alleviated by the present panel mount and system for mounting a panel, which mount incorporates a hinge on a portion thereof to allow the panel mount to move in response to wind forces.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hinge is located near an upper edge of the solar panel and a corresponding portion of a mount base. Wind sufficient to move the mass of the panel and to overcome any friction in the hinge (described herein as a “threshold wind”) causes a lower edge to raise.

In other exemplary embodiments, shock-absorbing materials or mechanical dashpots are utilized to prevent damage to the solar panel when the wind subsides. For example, the lower mounting position may incorporate a shock absorbing material such as an elastomeric strip to absorb shock forces as the solar panel returns to a resting position.

Other exemplary embodiments will be described in more detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings, wherein like elements are numbered alike in the following FIGURES:

PRIOR ART FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art fixed solar panel mount; and

FIG. 2 is a side elevation view of an exemplary hinged panel mount.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

As is discussed above, the present invention relates to a hinged panel mount and system for mounting a panel, wherein the hinge provides the panel with the ability to move responsive to a threshold level of wind force. While the following is described generally with regard to a photovoltaic solar panel mount, the claimed mount may be useable with any type of panel, including for example hot water circulation panels (with the addition of a flexible water conduit connection between the mount and the panel). The following is also equally applicable to single panel mountings or panel array mountings.

Referring now to PRIOR ART FIG. 1, an exemplary standard solar panel mount is illustrated generally at 10. The solar panel 12 is supported by an exemplary base, which in the illustrated embodiment comprises two bracket assemblies, shown generally at 14 and 16. The bracket assemblies include a lower bracket piece 18, which mounts to a flat building or structure surface, a solar panel support piece 20, which attaches to the solar panel 12, and a riser piece 22, which is adjusted and fixed to provide the desired angle for the solar panel.

Referring to FIG. 2, an exemplary hinged solar panel mount is illustrated in elevation view. An exemplary bracket assembly 24 may be seen to include a lower bracket piece 18 (configured to engage a building or structure 11), a solar panel support piece 20, and a riser piece 22. The solar panel support piece additionally includes a hinge mount 26, configured to receive a hinge eye 28 of the solar panel 12. While the hinge eye is illustrated as being attached to the solar panel, the hinge eye may alternately be attached to the solar panel support piece 20. Alternately, a hinge portion may depend from an intermediate piece, such as a solar panel frame configured to receive and secure standard non-hinged solar panels. Also, while the hinge is illustrated near an upper edge of the solar panel, the hinge may alternately be provided anywhere on the panel, including lower or side edges or more central regions on the back of the panel, as long as the panel is configured to swing about the hinge in response to directional wind forces.

The illustrated exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2 also incorporates a shock absorbing material 30, such as an elastomeric material, on the solar panel support piece 20. The shock-absorbing material cushions any impact that might otherwise occur as the solar panel returns to a resting position after a wind event. While this illustrated embodiment shows the shock-absorbing material near a lower edge of the solar panel, the material may be provided on any convenient portion on or between the solar panel support piece 20 and the solar panel 12. Also, other types of shock-absorbing materials may be used, such as springs and mechanical dashpots (e.g., a rotary dashpot located at the hinge or linear dashpots located opposite to or generally away from the hinge).

The above-described exemplary panel mount advantageously provides wind relief to panels that would otherwise provide an uplifting force that could damage or otherwise stress an underlying building or structure. Threshold winds (which at least overcome the weight of the panel and any friction in the hinge) cause the panel to swing in a path permitted by the hinge to reduce such uplifting forces. The hinge may also be configured with a desired amount of resistance (e.g., increased static friction) to tailor the threshold wind level to the desired application. Also, the movement of the panel may be limited by additional (e.g., a tether or attached spring remote from the hinge) or hinge-incorporated restraining mechanisms.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art and science of panel mounts that, while exemplary embodiments have been shown and described, various modifications and variations can be made to the panel mount disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, the illustrated base bracket 24 need not adapt the specific exemplary structure illustrated at FIG. 2 (e.g., the upper and lower mounting portions may be independently attached to the building structure and the panel, etc.) Accordingly, it is to be understood that the various embodiments have been described by way of illustration and not limitation. 

1. A panel and panel mount, comprising: a panel, the panel or a panel bracket or frame including a first hinge portion; and a support piece configured to be secured to the surface of a building or structure, the support piece including a second hinge portion complementary to the first hinge portion, wherein the panel is configured to move as permitted by the hinge portions in response to threshold wind forces acting upon the panel.
 2. A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a shock-absorbing member configured to cushion a portion of the panel or a panel bracket or frame subsequent to the cessation of threshold wind forces.
 3. A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, wherein the hinge portions are located near an upper edge of the solar panel, and wherein the shock absorbing member is positioned near a lower edge of the solar panel.
 4. A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 2, wherein the shock-absorbing member comprises an elastomeric material.
 5. A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, wherein the panel comprises a photovoltaic or hot water circulation solar panel.
 6. A panel and panel mount in accordance with claim 1, further comprising a third hinge portion, the third hinge portion depending from the panel or a panel bracket or frame, a second support piece configured to be secured to the surface of the building or structure, the second support piece including a fourth hinge portion complementary to the third hinge portion, wherein the panel is configured to move as permitted by the hinge portions in response to threshold wind forces acting upon the panel.
 7. A system for mounting a panel, comprising: a panel base, the base configured to secure to a surface of a building or structure; a panel; and at least one hinge operatively connecting said panel and said panel base, the at least one hinge configured to cause the panel to move in response to threshold wind forces acting upon the panel.
 8. The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 7, further comprising a shock-absorbing member configured to cushion a portion of the panel or a panel bracket or frame subsequent to the cessation of threshold wind forces.
 9. The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 7, wherein the at least one hinge is located near an upper edge of the solar panel, and wherein the shock absorbing member is positioned near a lower edge of the solar panel.
 10. The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 8, wherein the shock-absorbing member comprises an elastomeric material.
 11. The system for mounting a panel in accordance with claim 7, wherein the panel comprises a photovoltaic or hot water circulation solar panel. 